August 31, 2006

The SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is hosting its sixth "Denim and Diamonds" fundraiser Saturday, September 30, to raise funds to purchase additional equipment for the Institute's new cancer research laboratories. Guests are encouraged to dress in either casual or formal attire for the event, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield.

Tickets are $100 per person or $800 for a table of 10 and available by calling the SIU Foundation Office at 217-545-2955. Major sponsors of this year's fundraiser are Citigroup SmithBarney, Humana, Isringhausen Imports, Memorial Medical Center, St. John’s Hospital, Bank of Springfield, H.J. and Beverly Collins, and Denney Jewelers.

The event will feature music and dancing by Real Time & Friends of Springfield, a dinner buffet of international cuisine and both a live and silent auction including a specially created diamond and sapphire pendant, a cabin retreat and barbecue, Illini men's basketball game tickets, a one-week vacation stays in Florida and Canada, private jet and limo transportation to dinner at Carlos Restaurant in the Chicago area, original art pieces and gifts for children.

The SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute is focusing SIU's efforts in cancer research, physician and public education, and treatment for patients from across central and southern Illinois. Construction for the institute’s permanent facility has begun and should be completed in 2007. It will be three stories tall and will consolidate the School's multi-disciplinary cancer clinics, now located in several hospital buildings, along with research and outreach service programs. Its website is www.siumed.edu/cancer .

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